This brief, non-technical narrative for teachers addresses the following questions: (1) What are computers? (2) How do they work? (3) What can they do? (4) Why should we care? (5) What do they have to do with reading instruction? and (6) What is the future of computers for teachers and students? Specific topics discussed include the development of computers, the status of microcomputers, how to communicate with a computer, removing the mystery from computer talk, using the microcomputer for instruction, managing instruction with a microcomputer, and software selection and construction. Definitions are provided for such terms as hardware, system, peripherals, disk-drives, Disk Operation System, and software. Three references are listed. (LMM)